Enhanced repair of large osteochondral defects using a combination of artificial cartilage and basic fibroblast growth factor

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of a combination of artificial cartilage and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) for the repair of large osteochondral defects. The artificial cartilage was a three-dimensional fabric (3-DF) composed of an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber with a triaxial three-dimensional structure. We implanted 3-DF impregnated with type I collagen gel containing 500 ng of bFGF (bFGF-treated group) or 3-DF impregnated with type I collagen gel alone (non-treated group) into a large full-thickness osteochondral defect (6×6×3 mm) of the patellar groove of rabbits. The defect area was examined grossly, histologically and biomechanically 4–48 weeks after surgery. Bone ingrowth into and around the 3-DF was evaluated with micro-computed tomography (μ-CT). Addition of bFGF to the 3-DF greatly accelerated cartilage formation on the articular surface and subchondral bone formation into and around the 3-DF, and improved biomechanical properties. These findings suggest that a combination of artificial cartilage and bFGF is clinically useful in cases involving large osteochondral defects.